Sun 2 Oct 11

GUILDFORD B TEAM FESTIVAL

This was, to the Author’s knowledge, our first outing to Guildford, which was a good, well run festival on large open (but slightly sloping) pitches.  This was the first proper match against a real opposition for many of the new players in the B Team.  We were meant to play 4 matches in the pool, but Farnham failed to put out a team so we got a ‘by’ for that match.

Match 1:         Salisbury 0     Battersea 6

The poor scoreline belies an impressive display from the newcomers.  Everything came together and there was some impressive tackling from many.

Match 2:         Salisbury 0     Old Rutlishians 2

A much better match with visible improvement in the team; excellent scrummaging.

Match 3:         Salisbury 0     Chipstead 3

Again, the team had improved and Brandon Bennet should have scored in the opening play with a dancing run down the wing.  The referee’s sharp eyes however spotted that he had placed a foot into touch (even though the touch-judge hadn’t raised his flag).  Bad luck.  Despite this set-back the team fought on with some superb kicking from Rhys Williams.  William Lambert took a hefty knock but was soon back on his feet.

The poor stats do not show the full picture.  The team grew with every match and, as Coach Anthony said at the end ‘They arrived as individual players, but left as a team.’  A good day’s rugby.